Steady stream of Wiltshire voters in Euro elections

Steady streams of voters headed to polling stations across Wiltshire to cast their vote in the European elections today.

People in Wiltshire have the opportunity to shape the future of the next European Parliament by voting at one of 354 polling stations across the county.

The Homestead sheltered housing in Ashmead, Trowbridge, was one of the more unusual polling stations.

Presiding officer David Rose said: “We have had a steady flow of voters in the first couple of hours and people seem to be much more interested.

"There have been people popping in before work and parents after dropping their children off at school.

“There has been a lot of publicity about the European elections and more information, so hopefully we will be busy throughout the day. Some of the residents have been to vote as it’s convenient for them.”

One of the classrooms at Holbrook Primary School in Trowbridge was also turned into a polling station for the day, although the school was open as normal.

Headteacher Roger Whitewick said: “This is the second time we have been used as a polling station. We were asked by Wiltshire Council if we could do it and I was happy to help.

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“We are in a good position in the community to be used as a polling station and I like doing it as I think it’s important for children to see democracy in action. They get to see what happens when adults vote.

“I do have to make sure there are extra security arrangements in place, but I am confident they are robust and last time we had no problems.

"I went out on duty this morning, when the kids arrived, to be in position by the polling station and to answer any questions.”

Voters John and Hilary Fairbrother, who visited the polling station at Holbrook Primary School, said: “We think it is important to vote. If you don’t vote you really cannot complain.”

The Swan Hotel in Church Street, Bradford on Avon, is another place being used as a polling station for the second year in a row.

Owner James Sullivan-Tailyour said: “We have had a steady stream of people. The people we have seen so far (this morning) have generally been of working age.

“I would guess older people will wait until rush hour is over and come during the day, and then hopefully we will see another batch of people coming after work.

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“This is the second year running we have been a polling station. They obviously find us useful. It is central and very convenient for people walking.”

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